The rocky coastline of New England is where lighthouses began in America, and their number expanded along with the growing maritime economy of the colonies. New England's unique, historic lighthouses are the topic of Ed Beaulieu's multimedia presentation titled "Silent Sentinels of the Shores — Lighthouses of New England & Beyond," which will be presented at Middleborough Public Library Saturday. Mr. Beaulieu, a retired computer technician, uses both his technological expertise and personal experience to create a fascinating historical and anecdotal presentation about many of New England's guides to mariners. Refreshments will be served following the presentation, which is sponsored by the Middleborough Historical Association.

Before kickoff, get outside and stretch your legs on a 4.5-mile hike hosted by The Trustees of Reservations. The hike will begin at the Slocum's River Reserve on Horseneck Road in Dartmouth and end at the Buzzards Bay Brewery in Westport. Return transportation will be provided. Extensive conservation efforts led by the Trustees have helped to preserve a broad range of properties in the area known locally as Horseneck, making it possible to walk from the Slocum's River to the Westport River almost entirely on protected land. The hike will be lead by forester and Trustees' property superintendent Mike Labossiere.

1 p.m. Sunday, starting from Slocum's River Reserve. Program is free, but pre-registration is required. E-mail bioreserve@ttor.org or call (508) 679-2115 ext. 11.

GALLERIES

Photo exhibit focuses on reservation life

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth continues its 2007-2008 exhibition season with "A View From the Rez." This solo exhibition features recent work by visiting artist John Willis, whose stunning black-and-white photographs document the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, tribal home of the Oglala Lakota Sioux People. Mr. Willis received an MFA in photography from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1986. His photographic work has been exhibited throughout the country and internationally, and is included in many private and public collections. He is professor of photography at Marlboro College in Vermont and co-founder and board president for the In-Sight Photography Project, a non-profit organization that has offered free photography classes to Southern Vermont youth since 1992.

On view through Feb. 14 in the CVPA Campus Gallery, Group VI Building, Dartmouth campus. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or by appointment. Gallery talk, 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 14, with reception from 5 to 6. Park in Lot 7. Free and public. For more information, contact Jarrad Nunes at (508) 999-8010.

'Sex at the X' opens at downtown gallery

A juried exhibition of erotic art works titled "Sex at the X" opens Friday at Gallery X in downtown New Bedford. The work was juried by Nancy Whipple Grinnell, curator of the Newport Art Museum, and Dan Kahn of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Viewer discretion is advised. Also on exhibit will be a preview of work donated by area artists for the "Take This Child to Heart" gala to benefit New Bedford Community Connections Coalition.

The BaHa Brothers, who play summertime music year-round, will fill the floor when St. Mary's Church presents a benefit dance Saturday. The band's repertoire ranges from classic hits of the '50s right up to current radio and video favorites, presented with flair and showmanship. The evening will include a silent auction, and the money raised will go to a variety of needs, including urgent roof repairs.

Better Community Living Inc., a Greater New Bedford agency that supports persons with disabilities, their families and their personal relationships to be valued members of their community, homes, work and neighborhoods, will hold a benefit Valentine buffet and dance. Music will be provided by DJ Steve Bishop, "man of many hats."